It's golfing for a good cause Scholarship outing honors Brynn Bergin

May 30, 2006|LAUREEN FAGAN Tribune Staff Writer

Bright blue skies and sunshine welcomed golfers to the Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course in Mishawaka for the Brynn M. Bergin Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing. "She was just a beautiful person," said Matt Smith, a member of the Class of 2003 at Mishawaka High School. Smith helped to recruit former students who knew Brynn, who died in a 2004 motor vehicle accident, to support the benefit. "This day couldn't be more beautiful for her," Smith said. "It just shows how much she was loved by her friends and classmates." Don DeCraene, the security-desk greeter at Mishawaka High School, helped to organize the golf outing. "We have 84 golfers," said DeCraene, playing the eighth hole. "We're going to raise well over $7,000. We've got some great teachers, administrators and the school board." Britt Murphy of B&B Molders made a significant contribution, DeCraene said, in part because of a longtime friendship with the Bergin family. Mishawaka teacher Toni Forler joined DeCraene for the golf outing. "I took up golf last year and I like golfing," the 30-year-old Berrien County resident said. "I talk to Don all the time." As he waited his turn, Mayor Jeff Rea said he wanted to participate in the spirit of Mishawaka community. "It's a great cause and a lot of fun," he said, adding that he grew up in the neighborhood and pointing to the home where his parents live. Corporate sponsors for the event included a Jordan Automotive Ford Hole-In-One shot on the fifth tee, as well as Bonefish restaurant prizes in the 15th and a "Beat the Pro" round on hole 17. The scholarship is for a qualified MHS student, DeCraene said.Staff writer Laureen Fagan: lfagan@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6344